Castles from around the world

May 7, 2012 1:44 PM

Photo: ROBERT MICHAEL/AFP/Getty Images

Image 1of/68

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 68

Our most-recent Real Estate Spotlight got us thinking about castles. So we decided to assemble a gallery of real ones. There's none better to start with than the 'fairy tale' castle Neuschwanstein in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany. The castle, shown here on January 28, 2004, was rebuilt by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and opened to the public seven weeks after his death, in 1886. The pictures go back to early photography at the end of the 19th century.

Our most-recent Real Estate Spotlight got us thinking about castles. So we decided to assemble a gallery of real ones. There's none better to start with than the 'fairy tale' castle Neuschwanstein in Schwangau,

The Krasznahorka castle above the village of Krasnohorske Podhradie, Slovakia blazes on March 10, 2012.The castle burned down, allegedly due to burning of dry grass. The roof of the castle was destroyed completely. less

The Krasznahorka castle above the village of Krasnohorske Podhradie, Slovakia blazes on March 10, 2012.The castle burned down, allegedly due to burning of dry grass. The roof of the castle was destroyed ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

The Krasznahorka castle above the village of Krasnohorske... Photo-2908579.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 6 of 68

Spectators gather on the lawns to watch a broadcast during the wedding ceremony for the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Leeds Castle on April 29, 2011 in Maidstone, England.

Spectators gather on the lawns to watch a broadcast during the wedding ceremony for the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Leeds Castle on April 29, 2011 in Maidstone, England.

Photo: Getty Images

Spectators gather on the lawns to watch a broadcast during the... Photo-2908581.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 7 of 68

Bellevue Castle in Berlin, official residence of Germany's President, is shown on May 19, 2004, before renovations.

Bellevue Castle in Berlin, official residence of Germany's President, is shown on May 19, 2004, before renovations.

The annual Danjiri Matsuri festival passes through the castle town of Kishiwada on September 15, 2003 in Osaka, Japan. The festival, also known as the 'fighting festival,' is steeped in 300 years of tradition. A procession of 4-ton wooden floats, known as a Danjiri, are pulled through the streets by 32 teams of up to 1,000 men competing in a reckless race of strength and endurance. less

The annual Danjiri Matsuri festival passes through the castle town of Kishiwada on September 15, 2003 in Osaka, Japan. The festival, also known as the 'fighting festival,' is steeped in 300 years of tradition. ... more

Hot air balloons take off at Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent, U.K. on September 14, 2003. The castle was hosting the balloon and vintage car weekend which was celebrating its 21st anniversary. More than 25 balloons took the the skies shortly after sunrise over the castle. less

Hot air balloons take off at Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent, U.K. on September 14, 2003. The castle was hosting the balloon and vintage car weekend which was celebrating its 21st anniversary. More than 25 ... more

Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP/Getty Images

Hot air balloons take off at Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent,... Photo-2908569.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 12 of 68

The Yumbulagang Palace, near Tsethang, Tibet, is pictured on August 22, 2003. Yumbulang Palace is reputed to be Tibet's first castle. It sites in the Yarlung valley, which is often described as the cradle of Tibetan civilization and the birthplace of the Tibetan nationality. less

The Yumbulagang Palace, near Tsethang, Tibet, is pictured on August 22, 2003. Yumbulang Palace is reputed to be Tibet's first castle. It sites in the Yarlung valley, which is often described as the cradle of ... more

Photo: GOH CHAI HIN, AFP/Getty Images

The Yumbulagang Palace, near Tsethang, Tibet, is pictured on August... Photo-2908572.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 13 of 68

Fireworks illuminate the main building of the Sanssouci Palace, in Potsdam, Germany during the yearly 'Palace Night,' on August 17, 2003.

Fireworks illuminate the main building of the Sanssouci Palace, in Potsdam, Germany during the yearly 'Palace Night,' on August 17, 2003.

Photo: ROBERT MICHAEL, AFP/Getty Images

Fireworks illuminate the main building of the Sanssouci Palace, in... Photo-2908575.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 14 of 68

The castle and windmills of Consuegra, Spain are shown on August 15, 2003, during a re-enactment of the 1097 battle of Consuegra. The battle pitted the forces of Alfonso VI, King of Leon and Castile, against the Almoravids, a Berber dynasty under emir Yusuf Ibn Tasufin. less

The castle and windmills of Consuegra, Spain are shown on August 15, 2003, during a re-enactment of the 1097 battle of Consuegra. The battle pitted the forces of Alfonso VI, King of Leon and Castile, against ... more

Photo: PEDRO ARMESTRE, AFP/Getty Images

The castle and windmills of Consuegra, Spain are shown on August... Photo-2908573.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 15 of 68

The ruins of the medieval castle of Quermanco in Catalonia, Spain, are shown on July 2, 2003.

The ruins of the medieval castle of Quermanco in Catalonia, Spain, are shown on July 2, 2003.

Photo: LLUIS GENE, AFP/Getty Images

The ruins of the medieval castle of Quermanco in Catalonia, Spain,... Photo-2908577.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 16 of 68

The castle of Chantilly, France is shown on June 18, 2002. The Duke of Aumale bequeathed it in 1884 to the Institute of France

The castle of Chantilly, France is shown on June 18, 2002. The Duke of Aumale bequeathed it in 1884 to the Institute of France

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

The castle of Chantilly, France is shown on June 18, 2002. The Duke... Photo-2908450.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 17 of 68

Muslim pilgrims sit under an Ottoman fortress overlooking the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in March 2001. Saudi authorities subsequently demolished the fortress to make way for a $533 million housing project.

Muslim pilgrims sit under an Ottoman fortress overlooking the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in March 2001. Saudi authorities subsequently demolished the fortress to make way for a $533 million housing

Riot police bar the bridge leading to the Castle of Hradcany, the seat of the Czechoslovakian presidency, on November 19, 1989 in downtown Prague, during a protest rally for democracy. The riot police later beat and arrested hundreds of demonstrators. The Communist government fell on December 10. less

Riot police bar the bridge leading to the Castle of Hradcany, the seat of the Czechoslovakian presidency, on November 19, 1989 in downtown Prague, during a protest rally for democracy. The riot police later ... more

Photo: LUBOMIR KOTEK, AFP/Getty Images

Riot police bar the bridge leading to the Castle of Hradcany, the... Photo-2908457.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 22 of 68

Chateau d'Aigle, surrounded by Chablais vineyards, in Vaud, Switzerland, is shown on April 21, 1981. The castle houses the Vine, Wine and Etiquette museums.

Chateau d'Aigle, surrounded by Chablais vineyards, in Vaud, Switzerland, is shown on April 21, 1981. The castle houses the Vine, Wine and Etiquette museums.

The 14th-century Rambouillet Castle is shown in October 1975. The castle is an official residence of French presidents and was the venue for the first summit of the Group of Seven major industrial powers in November 1975. less

The 14th-century Rambouillet Castle is shown in October 1975. The castle is an official residence of French presidents and was the venue for the first summit of the Group of Seven major industrial powers in ... more

Photo: -, AFP/Getty Images

The 14th-century Rambouillet Castle is shown in October 1975. The... Photo-2908461.42666 - seattlepi.com

Neuschwanstein Castle, in Bavaria, Germany, is shown on August 25, 1970.

Neuschwanstein Castle, in Bavaria, Germany, is shown on August 25, 1970.

Photo: Fox Photos, Getty Images

Neuschwanstein Castle, in Bavaria, Germany, is shown on August 25,... Photo-2908469.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 26 of 68

It's not quite a castle, but we couldn't resist throwing in t his unusual former home of Sir Harold and Lady Nicolson, which now belongs to the National Trust at Sissinghurst, Kent, U.K. The picture is from August 1970. less

It's not quite a castle, but we couldn't resist throwing in t his unusual former home of Sir Harold and Lady Nicolson, which now belongs to the National Trust at Sissinghurst, Kent, U.K. The picture is from ... more

Photo: L. V. Clark, Getty Images

It's not quite a castle, but we couldn't resist throwing... Photo-2908512.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 27 of 68

The castle ruins at Kyrenia Harbour in Cyprus, are shown from the air on November 25, 1967.

The castle ruins at Kyrenia Harbour in Cyprus, are shown from the air on November 25, 1967.

Photo: Dennis Oulds, Getty Images

The castle ruins at Kyrenia Harbour in Cyprus, are shown from the... Photo-2908517.42666 - seattlepi.com

The great hall of the Leine Castle in Hanover, Germany, circa 1960. Photo-2908467.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 34 of 68

The Chateau Azay-le-Rideau is one of the many elegant castles in France's historic Loire Valley. The chateau is of the Renaissance style and was built between the end of the fourteenth century and 1524.

The Chateau Azay-le-Rideau is one of the many elegant castles in France's historic Loire Valley. The chateau is of the Renaissance style and was built between the end of the fourteenth century and 1524.

Photo: Alex Watkinson, Getty Images

The Chateau Azay-le-Rideau is one of the many elegant castles in... Photo-2908566.42666 - seattlepi.com

The Mayor, Alderman R. H. Tozer (center), reads the proclamation of the death of George VI and the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne on February 8, 1952, in front of the Queen Victoria Statue at the foot of Castle Hill, Windsor, U.K. less

The Mayor, Alderman R. H. Tozer (center), reads the proclamation of the death of George VI and the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne on February 8, 1952, in front of the Queen Victoria Statue at the ... more

Aleppo, Syria, is seen from the city's citadel, circa 1950. Legend has it that the city was founded by Abraham.

Aleppo, Syria, is seen from the city's citadel, circa 1950. Legend has it that the city was founded by Abraham.

Photo: Evans, Getty Images

Aleppo, Syria, is seen from the city's citadel, circa 1950.... Photo-2908519.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 42 of 68

A boy wearing a kilt sits on a rock near Edinburgh Castle, in Edinburgh, Scotland, circa 1950. The oldest part of the building is St Margaret's Chapel, dating from circa 1100 and named after King Malcolm III's wife. The chapel only survived Robert the Bruce's attack in 1313 because he ordered his men to leave it untouched. Edinburgh Castle became a royal residence when James I was murdered in Perth in 1437, and his widow, Joan Beaufort, moved the Royal Court and her son, James II, to Edinburgh. The Scottish crown jewels, the Honours of Scotland, were put on display there after Sir Walter Scott discovered where they had been hidden during the time of Oliver Cromwell. less

A boy wearing a kilt sits on a rock near Edinburgh Castle, in Edinburgh, Scotland, circa 1950. The oldest part of the building is St Margaret's Chapel, dating from circa 1100 and named after King Malcolm III's ... more

Photo: George Pickow, Getty Images

A boy wearing a kilt sits on a rock near Edinburgh Castle, in... Photo-2908523.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 43 of 68

The South and East fronts of Herstmonceux Castle, in Hailsham, Sussex, U.K., is shown in July 1949.

The South and East fronts of Herstmonceux Castle, in Hailsham, Sussex, U.K., is shown in July 1949.

Photo: George W. Hales, Getty Images

The South and East fronts of Herstmonceux Castle, in Hailsham,... Photo-2908509.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 44 of 68

Broadway Tower, on Broadway Hill in the Cotswolds, Worcestershire, U.K. is shown on June 10, 1948. It was designed by James Wyatt and built for Lady Coventry in 1799.

Broadway Tower, on Broadway Hill in the Cotswolds, Worcestershire, U.K. is shown on June 10, 1948. It was designed by James Wyatt and built for Lady Coventry in 1799.

British Conservative Party Leader Winston Churchill (1874-1965) inspects the honor guard at Dover Castle after being installed as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, on August 14, 1946. Churchill was the first commoner to be honored in this way. less

British Conservative Party Leader Winston Churchill (1874-1965) inspects the honor guard at Dover Castle after being installed as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, on August 14, 1946. Churchill was the first ... more

The North Bastion of the Tower of London is shown on December 19, 1945. It still shows damage from a 1940 bombing raid. This bastion was built in 1848 to combat the Chartist riots.

The North Bastion of the Tower of London is shown on December 19, 1945. It still shows damage from a 1940 bombing raid. This bastion was built in 1848 to combat the Chartist riots.

Photo: William Vanderson, Getty Images

The North Bastion of the Tower of London is shown on December 19,... Photo-2908537.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 47 of 68

The ruins of the Bloody and Wakefield Towers in the Tower of London are seen from the White Tower, circa 1945. This part of the complex used to house the canteen. It was destroyed during a World War II bombing raid in 1940. less

The ruins of the Bloody and Wakefield Towers in the Tower of London are seen from the White Tower, circa 1945. This part of the complex used to house the canteen. It was destroyed during a World War II bombing ... more

Photo: Fox Photos, Getty Images

The ruins of the Bloody and Wakefield Towers in the Tower of London... Photo-2908536.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 48 of 68

Ivangorod Castle, which Tzar Ivan The Terrible had built at the border of Russia and Estonia on the river Narva, is shown circa 1945.

Ivangorod Castle, which Tzar Ivan The Terrible had built at the border of Russia and Estonia on the river Narva, is shown circa 1945.

Photo: Keystone, Getty Images

Ivangorod Castle, which Tzar Ivan The Terrible had built at the... Photo-2908503.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 49 of 68

A crashed German Messerschmitt 109 is put on show on October 3, 1940 at Windsor Castle to aid the Boroughs Spitfire Fund.

A crashed German Messerschmitt 109 is put on show on October 3, 1940 at Windsor Castle to aid the Boroughs Spitfire Fund.

Photo: J. A. Hampton, Getty Images

A crashed German Messerschmitt 109 is put on show on October 3,... Photo-2908520.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 50 of 68

German troops hoist the Nazi flag on the Royal Castle at Laeken, near Brussels, Belgium after their invasion in 1940.

German troops hoist the Nazi flag on the Royal Castle at Laeken, near Brussels, Belgium after their invasion in 1940.

Photo: Keystone, Getty Images

German troops hoist the Nazi flag on the Royal Castle at Laeken,... Photo-2908529.42666 - seattlepi.com

Crowds watch a barrage balloon ascend over London on October 8, 1938. Barrage squadrons aimed is to force enemy aircraft to a height at which they could be reached by anti-aircraft fighters and guns.

Crowds watch a barrage balloon ascend over London on October 8, 1938. Barrage squadrons aimed is to force enemy aircraft to a height at which they could be reached by anti-aircraft fighters and guns.

Photo: David Savill, Getty Images

Crowds watch a barrage balloon ascend over London on October 8,... Photo-2908508.42666 - seattlepi.com

Image 53 of 68

German chancellor Adolf Hitler acknowledges the cheers and salutes of the crowd at Weimar on July 4, 1936, during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the first Nazi Party congress. Weimar Castle is in the background. less

German chancellor Adolf Hitler acknowledges the cheers and salutes of the crowd at Weimar on July 4, 1936, during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the first Nazi Party congress. Weimar Castle is in the ... more

Horses pulls skiers across the snow in a sport known as ski-joring on December 31, 1931, in front of Taymouth Castle in Perthshire, central Scotland. The castle was built in the 19th century on the site of an older building dating back to the 16th century. It was the family seat of the Earl of Breadalbane and now overlooks Kenmore golf course. less

Horses pulls skiers across the snow in a sport known as ski-joring on December 31, 1931, in front of Taymouth Castle in Perthshire, central Scotland. The castle was built in the 19th century on the site of an ... more

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

Horses pulls skiers across the snow in a sport known as ski-joring... Photo-2908531.42666 - seattlepi.com